If you're getting into film, the Nikon FM is basically the GOAT starter camera. Made in Japan (1977–1982), fully mechanical, no batteries needed except for the light meter — so even if it dies on you mid-shoot, the camera keeps working. Built like a tank (copper-aluminum body) and still going strong decades later. Comes with the Nikkor 50mm f/2 Ai lens, which is sharp, punchy, and stupid easy to use.
The specs, for the nerds
Manual focus, manual exposure 35mm SLR
Mechanical shutter, 1 sec–1/1000 sec + Bulb mode
Takes 2x LR44/SR44 batteries (meter only)
Nikon F-mount (works with AI and non-AI lenses)
Flash sync at 1/125 sec
~580g, so it's got some satisfying weight to it
Condition — actually good, not "good for its age"
Excellent cosmetic shape, just some light wear from normal use (check the pics). Focusing screen has a couple tiny scratches/specks but you genuinely won't notice while shooting. We ran a full test roll of Kentmere 100 through it — sample shots are in the gallery so you can see exactly what this thing can do.
What we did to the body: deep clean, replaced light seals, replaced the mirror damper, opened up the bottom plate to clean everything out, cleaned and re-lubed the winding gears.
What we did to the lens: fully disassembled and cleaned — no scratches, no fungus, no haze, no internal specks. Smooth focus, sharp results.
Everything works — tested with real film
Meter: accurate
Shutter speeds: all sounding correct
Self-timer: works
Bulb mode: works
Flash: synced and functioning
Film advance, take-up, release, rewind: all smooth
Manual + Bulb exposure: both accurate
What you get
Nikon FM body + Nikkor 50mm f/2 Ai lens
Soft release button
2x LR44 batteries (so you can start shooting immediately)
Lens cap
A genuinely fire nylon neck strap